Which countries have separate queues?

Separate queues refer to the application of the annual limits established by the United States government for certain visa categories – including within the context of Family Based visas. This mechanism can cause longer wait times for some countries, especially in preference categories where there is an annual numerical limit.

It is important to highlight that this rule applies, for example, to visa categories for relatives who are not considered ”immediate” family members of U.S. citizens and are therefore subject to the national caps set by law. Currently, the majority of analyses and historical data indicate that countries with high demand which frequently face these ”separate queues” are: Mainland China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

This is due to the volume of petitions in each applicable category – when the number of requests from a single country exceeds the maximum allowed percentage (about 7% of the total annual amount for a given category), the beneficiaries from these countries end up in a separate line, which can result in longer wait times.

It is important to mention that these mechanisms mainly affect applicants in family preference visa processes, since visas for immediate relatives (such as spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens) are not subject to numerical limits. Therefore, if your case fits as an immediate relative, the ”separate queues” do not apply.

Regardless of your situation, it is essential to strictly follow United States immigration laws and seek updated information through official channels. Moreover, be cautious about promises of quick or guaranteed results, as there are many scams and marketing campaigns that can confuse those seeking to regularize their status. If you feel insecure, look for trustworthy sources and recognized professionals, always remembering that no guarantee can be given regarding chances or approval times in any immigration process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.